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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 29, 2000

Illinois Firms Intensify Trade Through Expo Manufactura

CHICAGO -- Governor George H. Ryan today pointed to the Department of Commerce and Community Affairs' (DCCA) recent mission to Expo Manufactura 2000 in Monterrey, Mexico as evidence that Illinois' stepped-up efforts to promote trade are meeting with overwhelming success.

Representatives from DCCA's Illinois Trade Office in Chicago and Mexico City led the largest Illinois delegation ever to participate in Mexico's premier metalworking and manufacturing event, held earlier this month, from March 7th-9th. Illinois Trade Offices in Chicago and Mexico City leveraged the State's powerful manufacturing sector to create a State of Illinois Pavilion at Expo Manufactura comprised of an unprecedented 42 delegates from 30 Illinois companies.

This year proved to be a prosperous year at Expo Manufactura. The Illinois Trade Office's preliminary reports have suggested the Expo has produced over 1000 trade prospects, which are already leading to increased export opportunities for Illinois firms. "The Illinois Trade Office's assistance and programming combined with the excellent opportunities provided by Expo Manufactura have increased our export sales by six figures," noted Alex Cacheux, International Sales Manager, RACO Industrial.

In addition to providing financial and logistical assistance, the Illinois Trade Office coordinated a variety of events for the Illinois delegation including: networking receptions, business seminars, and factory tours with top Mexican business and political officials to assist in finding trade opportunities in Mexico.

"The State of Illinois Pavilion concept at trade shows such as Expo Manufactura allows us to assist small and medium size Illinois businesses realize their export potential," said DCCA Director Pam McDonough.

The success of Expo Manufactura coincides with the Illinois Mexico City Trade Office's 10th year anniversary.

Attached is a list of companies that participated. Photos are also available.